Well, this morning the BMV was indeed open and I set out upon my quest to get the title changed to the car I have been gifted. The lady I dealt with started out with ‘there is supposed to be other paperwork already done!’ type comments, and then transitioned to ‘well, I will see what I can do and if a legal review will approve’ and then on to ‘let’s do this and this and all should be good.’
She ended up creating and having me sign about five different forms, including one noting it was a gift and not sold to me, and the legal review was rather anti-climactic (the look on the person’s face was very much ‘you’re bothering me with this why?’) and I am supposed to get my title and a new tag within 21 days. Yee-hah. So, for now I have a paper tag and am hoping for not a lot of rain until the new tag gets here.
I did go do a bit of grocery shopping and while I was at it, picked up appropriate oil, brake fluid, power transmission fluid, and even wiper-washer fluid (my Godfather already had antifreeze in the trunk) just to be safe. If anyone cares to hit the tip jar, want to get a new fire extinguisher, general first aid kit, and a small trauma kit to keep in the vehicle. Also plan to pick up a new jump pack and some other items as I get the chance.
So, not exactly something I would love to take across country, but for getting me to Church and the grocery store, should be good. Makes a lot of interesting noises, and know there are some things it would be nice to have worked on. Thing is, it runs and the rest can wait. Onwards.
Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.
Dost thou havest an Amazon Wish List?
Pro Tip(s) – jump boxes are fine, mostly, but a set of good jumper cables as backup is a reasonable precaution, as is a 30 ft 10K lb tow strap, and don’t forget a Tube of Dark Repellant (high quality flashlight), the 3-D cell Maglites work well for vehicles, and the snap-in mounting brackets are great for keeping one handy on the transmission hump (the 3-Ds are not only nearly indestuctible and provide light, they are also suitable for use as “tools of persuasion” should such circumstances arise; I replace the Energizer batteries in mine every 18 months whether they need it or not). If there’s a sutiable place under the hood, tuck a quart of whatever oil you use there, because of you need oil on the road 1) you already have it, 2) it’ll be light-years cheaper than whatever the gas station is selling. Writing fill capacities under the hood in permanent Sharpie can be handy. Get a spare oil drain plug and gasket and 3-4 spare wheel lug nuts for your “road emergency kit.” Start building a relationship with a local Good and Trustworthy independent service provider fo those repair and maintenance jobs you can’t do yourself. $100-200 in appropriately-sized bills VERY well hidden in the vehicle canbe a lifesaver some times (just don’t forget that it’s there, especialy if you sell the car….). Your local library may have a copy of a factory or aftermarket service manual for your make/model, they can probably ILL one if not, a couple evenings spent reading it can provide useful info about your car.
Iggy
Good points, and I need to find both my good jumper cables and the tow strap I had. I miss my old Maglite. Do have spare oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, etc. already in a container in the trunk. Need to get some of the other things you mention here soon. Have a good mechanic lined up, he’s been working on the car for Father since he got it. Have a wish list (see bottom of most posts) need to get some of these items on it. Thanks!